Nocturnal

The Black Dahlia Murder's song 'Nocturnal' delves deep into themes of darkness, brutality, and the macabre. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a nightmarish world where the night reigns supreme, and the sun is despised. The opening lines, 'Between the lies / Our dead language tongues,' suggest a world where truth is obscured, and communication is corrupted. This sets the stage for a journey into a realm where bloodshed and violence are not only common but revered. The imagery of 'the smell of blood excites the nostrils at first cut' and 'the sanguinary worship of red spraying punctures' evokes a visceral reaction, highlighting the song's focus on the grotesque and the horrific.

The song's references to 'a distorted dialect for the draining of veins' and 'a warped diction of scriptures befouled' suggest a perversion of language and tradition. This could be interpreted as a critique of societal norms and religious practices, presenting them as inherently corrupt and twisted. The repeated invocation of 'Father unholy one' and the pledge to 'Nocturnal majesty sworn to black' further emphasize the song's embrace of darkness and rejection of conventional morality. The lyrics suggest a complete devotion to the night and its associated evils, with lines like 'Hatred and persistence destined to see / A complete eclipse / Of that hated sphere the sun' underscoring a desire to obliterate the light and all it represents.

Musically, The Black Dahlia Murder is known for their melodic death metal style, characterized by fast tempos, intricate guitar work, and growled vocals. This aggressive and intense musical backdrop complements the dark and violent themes of 'Nocturnal,' creating a cohesive and immersive experience for the listener. The song's solo section provides a moment of technical prowess, adding to the overall sense of chaos and brutality. Ultimately, 'Nocturnal' is a powerful exploration of the allure of darkness and the rejection of societal norms, wrapped in a package of relentless metal ferocity.